A DOSSIER ON LUTRA (THE OTTER)

Lutra, the otter, is a compact, powerful, intelligent animal capable of negotiating land, water, and obstacles with great facility. Lutra can survive in hostile envirnnmcnts such as under ice, in hot water, in raging seas, and even in urban environments. Capable of being easily trained and becomes devoted to humans. which sometimes leads to its destruction. It can find its own food if necessary and can make long journeys routinely. Basic cost of animal moderate ($75 - $150) as is maintenance. Has been used by man as a pet and in the orient for fishing.

There are two animals commonly called the otter - specifically the Sea Otter ( Enhydra lutris ) and the land otter (Lutra). The Sea Otter lives mostly at sea, is nearly extinct, and differs considerably from the land otters. For this reason our discussion will cover Lutra, the land otter. *

There are many species and subspecies of Lutra. Lutra lives all over the world in various forms. They may grow as large as small seals. In general Lutra canadensis is representative of most otters in size, physiology, habits, etc. For this reason the following dossier will but infrequently refer to species and subspecies of Lutra, the River Otter.

* Some taxonomists consider the Sea Otter to be so differentfrom the Land or River Otter that it is considered to be a Sub-Family.

Probably mates for life. Most species breed at any time of years, some in late February. Young born about 60 days later. Litter 1- 5 (cubs, kits, pups). Blind for 5 weeks. Weaned in 4 months. Both parents help in rearing animals. Small animals stay with parents one year. Life span greater than 15 years.

Young animals can be bottle fed with same formula used for human babies. Diarrhea controlled by varying sugar and water in formula. Rub animals' gutwith moistened finger to simulate lickinq of mother animal - this will substitute for peristalsis in young animals. Wean as soon as possible to fish. Eels particularly good, but any fish will do. Will eat poultry, animal meat, eggs, and other high protein foods. (Other foods, however, do not seem to harm animal.)

Schedule feeding of younq once per two hours and train to go overnight without feedinq as soon as possible - just as with human baby. Mucus in stool normal.

Animal will catch own food and establish own preferences.

Transportinq an otter is exceptionally difficult. Animal resents restricted quarters and will fight and tear itself to deactruction to escape. Tranquilizers are partially effective.

In like manner, once animal has enjoyed freedom equal to that of dog, it is difficult to keep it caged.

For transporting it is recommended that it travel with owmer or else special care be taken to train animal to accept confined quarters (if possible). As last resort, rely on medication ( tranquilizers / anesthesia ).

No matter how brutal transporting can be (and other ways man inflicts pain on the otter) it never seems to resent this treatment.

SLEEPING: Usually sleeps on back with 'arms' folded. Likes to sleep with humans. Will sleep all night although in the wild it ean be nocturnal.

MANUAL AND ORAL DEXTERITY: Can open zipper, climb ladder, chew through zinc sheet, turn on water tap, carry stones and marbles - also larger objects, throw objects with head (from mouth), hold slippery - objects, carry objects in 'arms' while swimming - also in mouth, will cover himself.

SWIMMING: Must learn to swim at early age. Has initial fear of water which must ba overcome.

FEARS: Seems to show no interest and/or fear of cities, other animals (except very large birds such as eagles), jet (and other) aircraft, railroad stations, crowds of people, etc. Will fear water if not trained to it.

VOICE: Ranges from chirps to aspirations, sighs, "Hah", and a wail (from whimpering to rage).

Every otter should have a harness so that it can be better handled in the urban environent and so that it can be identified as a pet in the country environment (by hunters and others). The otter is lanky with a small head. For this reason a special harness must be built. Because the animal slides a lot, a 'breast-plate' is necessary. The design below was worked out by Maxwell. In only one case did he ever suspect that his animal bacame 'hung up' by his harness while roaming the countryside. Note that the straps are sufficiently tight allow some of the guard hairs to pass over it which reduces the chance of it being caught on objects.

Maxwell, G., Ring of Bright Water, E. P. Dutton, Inc., New York: 1961

Palmer, E. L., Fieldbook of Natural History. McGraw-Hill, New York: 1949

Lane, F. W., Nature Parade, Fawcett Publications, Greenwich, Conn.: 1954

0’Shea, M. V. (Ed.), The World Book Encyclopedia, W. F. Quarries Co., Chicago: 1928.

Young, J. Z., The Life of Vertebrates, Oxford University Press, London: 1950.

Farre, R. Seal Morning, Rinehart & Co., New York: 1957.

Spector, W. S. (Ed.), Handbook of Sociological Data, WADC Report 56-273. ASTIA Document No. AD 110501.